Wife of Slain Anambra Lawmaker Enters Race to Replace Late Husband

Justina Azuka, widow of the late Anambra lawmaker Justice Azuka, has joined the race to fill the seat left vacant by her husband’s tragic death. Posters bearing her image and campaign message have surfaced, confirming her bid to represent the Onitsha North 1 constituency in the State Assembly.

Justice Azuka, who was elected under the Labour Party (LP), was abducted in Onitsha on Christmas Eve 2024 while returning home for the holidays. His decomposing body was discovered weeks later at the foot of the Second Niger Bridge in February 2025, despite widespread reports that a ransom had been paid for his release.

Following his confirmed death, there was a wave of public support for Mrs. Azuka to succeed her husband, with many constituents urging the Labour Party to nominate her in his place. However, her campaign posters now show her running under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), sparking debate about LP’s decision not to give her its platform.

A source within the Labour Party, speaking anonymously, explained that Mrs. Azuka was initially nominated by LP. However, ongoing legal uncertainty involving the party’s national leadership — specifically the tussle between Julius Abure and Nenadi Usman — prompted a strategic shift. “Labour Party leaders moved her candidature to ADC to avoid complications with INEC,” the source said. “The party will still fully support her campaign, and I can assure you LP will not be fielding a candidate against her.”

In the meantime, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has nominated Mimih Ikpeazu-Azikiwe, a member of the prominent Ikpeazu dynasty, as its candidate in the upcoming by-election.